Mi Sheberachs for Suicide

MI SHEBERACHS FOR SUICIDE

Suicide is a complex issue and should not be attributed to a single cause. Not everyone who dies by suicide has been diagnosed with a mental illness, and not all people with a mental illness seek to end their lives by suicide

Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. People considering suicide typically feel an overwhelming, never-ending (or continuous) sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. They believe suicide is the only way to stop the suffering.

Many factors can contribute to someone’s decision to end their life—loss, trauma, addiction, serious illness, or other life events that feel overwhelming. Remember, it is the experience of the events (not necessarily the events themselves) that contribute to a person feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Suicide and suicide attempts are not the same as what we often call selfharm, which falls under process addictions and is included in the previous section. Self-harm or nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) refers to hurting oneself on purpose as a way to release painful emotions, distract from emotional pain with physical pain, express self-hatred or low selfesteem, punish oneself for perceived wrongs, or regain a sense of control. Self-harm is not a suicide attempt but rather a sign that the individual is trying to cope with intense emotions. This behavior often becomes addictive, and many people who have overcome self-harm consider themselves in recovery.

This section is for those who experience suicidal thoughts or who mourn the loss of someone who died by suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 800-273-8255, available 24/7 to provide local resources and support.

For Those Contemplating Suicide

by Anonymous

May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, be with us in our struggles.

As you blessed Jacob three times, be with us in our struggles. May our wrestling be transformative in our struggles.

Give us patience, courage, endurance, and insight. May the sufferer be healed in spirit and in body.

May G-d be with us. We pray for meaning in the length of our days.

For Those Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts

by Lisa

May you know better days are ahead and stay with us.

May you know taking your own life is not the only path to healing.

May you never be so low you make an irreversible decision.

May you find courage to reach out and cry for help so you don’t suffer alone.

May your deep pain and suffering turn to harmony and tranquility as your health improves.

May you live to celebrate many milestones in peace surrounded by those who love you.

May the prayers of all who care about you bring you healing, happiness, and blessings—refuah, simcha and bracha.

For Those Who Have Lost a Loved One

by Devin

May the Source of Strength, who blesses all, bless all who grieve and mourn.

May those who have lost a loved one to suicide find compassion and support from friends and loved ones who seek to connect genuinely.

May they be met without expectations for sharing their stories or for speaking before they are ready.

May they find care from those who have “been there,” so they do not have to cope alone or learn to do so on their own.

And may they know when to ask for help or to receive the help of friends and loved ones.

May the Source of Wisdom, who blesses all, bless friends and loved ones of those mourning a loss.

May those who have the opportunity to provide compassion and support do so with love and genuine intention.

May they find ways to connect with their friend or loved one in mourning on important dates like birthdays, holidays, and other anniversaries.

And may they know when to reach out with help or to provide care for their friend or loved one.

For Those Surviving the Loss of a Loved One to Suicide

by Jennifer

May He who provides light shine down on you.

May you understand this is not your fault, and nothing you could have done would have changed what happened.

May you find solace in that your true love is no longer suffering from the sickness of depression and anxiety.

May you accept love and help from your family, friends, and community.

May you find the strength to seek assistance for your own mental well-being.

May the feelings of emptiness give way to comfort in the sweet reminders of their presence in your life. They are never really gone.

May you find the light that shines within you, that it may lead you to continue your life with purpose, hope, and happiness.

MI SHEBERACHS FOR HEALING AND STRENGTH

Judaism has a long tradition of recognizing that healing is not just physical; it is holistic, which is to say it has physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components that are all interconnected. When we recite the mi sheberach for healing, we pray for refuat hanefesh v'refuat haguf, a healing of spirit and of body. Many wise people in our tradition have long understood our spirit to encompass our emotional as well as our spiritual well-being. Such a time-honored tradition has prepared us well to inherit this value and put it into practice. With our resources and greater understanding today, our twenty-first-century Jewish communities can interpret and expand how we pray for refuat hanefesh v'refuat haguf.

The Jewish tradition also emphasizes healing rather than curing. Even when mental illness is under control, healing and a return to wholeness are in order. We see healing as a process that has many components and may be a lifelong journey.

This section consists of several mi sheberachs for overall healing, strength, and well-being.

For Inner Strength

by Gabi, Charlotte & Aric

May the One who is struggling to understand their own strength find their own path with the help of the world around them.

And may they never be afraid to ask for help or share their burden with others.

May they understand that strength isn’t in solitude but in reaching out when you cannot cope alone.

For Strength and Healing

by Anonymous

May we know part of our journey involves struggling, and throughout time Judaism has seen struggling as a holy endeavor.

May we understand it is through community and openness that we find a way out of our mitzrayim. There is no shame in the path to wellness and freedom.

We ask for the strength to reach out for help and the strength to respond with empathy and compassion.

May we remember that each of us is created b’tzelom Elohim—in G-d’s image—and is both unique and divine.

May we remember refuah shleimah—healing of body, mind, and spirit—is an ongoing and lengthy process, and may we have continued patience with ourselves and those we love.

May we know tikkun olam and tikkun hanefesh are both integral parts of making the world and ourselves whole

For Inner Strength

by Elisheva, Kayla & Liora

For those whose feelings need to be heard, may you have people around you who have the capacity to listen to you, and may you have your own personal inner strength to be able to find/accept the help you need.

For Those Struggling

by Gala & Hope

We wish for continuous support throughout your struggles. We wish for appropriate resources throughout your struggles. We wish for patience throughout your struggles and during your recovery.

For Finding Light by Hannah & Julia

May the one who fears illness find peace in good health and listen to the needs of their body before assuming the worst.

May they take the time to practice gratitude and see the joys in the world around them.

Grant us the strength to find spots of sun shining through the clouds,

reminding us there is light even on our darkest days.

And may we remember the world works with us, not against us.

For Growth

by Anonymous

May the One who blessed our ancestors bless us with:

the ability to listen without judgment and to be present;

the strength to be well and to practice wellness;

an ability to share with others in the community and to live in values and principles to recognize our own strengths,

to see vulnerability as a strength,

to know oneself and to continue to question what is known,

to accept from others gifts of sustenance, and

to acknowledge limits and embrace the knowledge that growth is boundless,

being open to finding a place to celebrate and be celebrated.

For Courage

by Matthew & Lucie

May the One who feels uncertain about upcoming changes find the strength to face each day knowing it can change and find the courage to keep going and overflow with compassion for themselves.

May they discover the power of their own resilience and let it strengthen them.

May the One send them healing of the soul and give them the knowledge that peace is within them.

For Those Struggling or Seeing Others in Distress

by Anonymous

May you find the courage to accept help even in the depths of despair.

May you find the courage to offer help, taking that first step not knowing where it will lead.

May your life be filled with blessings of love, light, health, and happiness.

Bless you with the members of your family, and may you be strong and resilient with courage in your recovery.

For Opportunity by Elana & Noa

G-d and G-d of our ancestors who left their homes in search of growth and opportunity:

Grant us the capacity to judge ourselves with forgiveness and patience, to see the future as Joshua and Caleb did, one of opportunity and possibility.

Allow us the acknowledgment of our fears and longings for comfort and home, but grant us the knowledge that our yearnings are temporary.

For Silver Linings

by Anonymous

Oh Holy One, help us to find… light during a time of darkness, hope during a time of cynicism and pessimism, virtual closeness during a time of physical distance, faith during a time of despair, hope when feeling hopeless, relational strength during a time of polarization, respect for the other amidst divisiveness and disagreement.

Enable us to heal, even if we cannot be whole.

May we take comfort in the process of healing, not necessarily the expectation of complete health.

For Peace, Support, and Healing

by Anonymous

May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless in health those who are engaged in the holy work of healing your world:

For our caretakers, please bring peace, support, and healing. For our healers, please bring peace, support, and healing. For our family, please bring peace, support, and healing. For those suffering, please bring peace, support, and healing. For ourselves, please bring peace, support, and healing. For all who need, please bring peace, support, and healing.

For Women and Healing

by Anonymous

May the One who blessed our ancestors bless and heal us, restore us, strengthen us, and give us renewed life.

May we have the words and the courage to ask for what we need.

May it come to us even if we don’t or can’t ask.

May we be blessed with complete and speedy healing of spirit and body.

May we be blessed with self-compassion, and may we receive the compassion of others.

For Healing

by Sophie & Nora

May the slowness of your breath calm the fast thoughts in your mind. May the shoulders of your community be your pillow to lean and rest on. May your footsteps on the earth ground you to the center of your heart.

For a Happier World by Samantha & Eyal

We hope the world becomes a happier place, where all our stressors will disappear, calming down our souls and our bodies, relieving us of any stress or pressure. We hope our communities provide us safety and care, and a place where we can thrive.

For Those Embarrassed About Their Mental Health

by Anonymous

Let those who are embarrassed about their mental health feel the courage to speak out and get help. Let mental health receive the same importance as physical health.

Heal individuals who have trauma, depression, anxiety, and anger. Give them help, healing, and strength.

If one can connect to nature and the world outside themselves and realize everyone is connected to everyone else and everything else, it can be a way to lighten your own load and bring a sense of togetherness and a sense of less isolation.

May G-d bring healing, peace, and wholeness to our bodies, minds, and spirits.

For Repaired Connection

by Anonymous

May you forgive yourself for taking the space you need.

May you have empathy for those who are making decisions you do not understand.

May you find the strength to trust your own decisions and the compassion to accept them.

May you re-engage with ease and without struggle.

May you welcome others with open arms whenever they choose to return to you.

May you find your community and loved ones have always been there, even if they have not been omnipresent.

May you cultivate equanimity.

For Those Experiencing Conflict

by Jesse & Manor

May the One who blessed our ancestors bless this new generation of Jews and their connection to each other, which redefines them at each turn.

May the One bless and heal those within our community who are experiencing anger and strife that arise from competition.

May they be guided by clarity to better actualize positive influences in their lives to counter negative ones.

May they be blessed with the compassion and strength to resolve their conflicts without harmful words or persecutions.

May they learn the maturity and responsibility to understand the gravity of their actions and learn to heal with one another.

May they be empowered by good surroundings and improve each situation they are involved in.

For Mental, Financial, and Physical Well-being

by David & Benji

Mi sheberach for those who have put others before themselves; may they understand our appreciation for their efforts in creating a better world.

Mi sheberach for those who have struggled mentally; may they find peace and healing in both body and mind.

Mi sheberach for those who have struggled financially; may they live a future free of financial problems.

Mi sheberach for those who have struggled physically; may they find different practices and opportunities to improve their well-being.

For Struggling Teens

by Anonymous

May all of our teens who struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, or any mental health struggle find the support, resources, and connection that bring them back to a place of wholeness in their souls.

May they find the attributes of courage, perseverance, and vulnerability to find hope in the dark places on their journeys.

And may they experience love and compassion from those around them.

With these tools, may they see the larger perspective that hope for a better tomorrow springs eternal.

For Children Going out into the World

by Anonymous

May you heal from the pains of your past. May you step into your new life with renewed strength and courage. May you find a community that offers you safety and refuge. May you grow and become your fullest self. May you find meaning and purpose in your life. May you find peace.

PRAYERS OF SELF-AFFIRMATIONS AND LOVE

Self-esteem is how someone values and perceives themself. It can affect a person’s ability to make decisions, assert needs, move past mistakes without unfair self-blame, practice self-kindness, and try new or difficult things. When one has low self-esteem, they may place little value on their own opinions and ideas. Instead of feeling secure, they focus on their perceived weaknesses and fear of failure, and they believe others are more capable or successful than they are. Low self-esteem can manifest itself in traits such as indecision, hypersensitivity to criticism, negative outlook, and guilt.

People with low self-esteem tend to exaggerate events as being negative. They may interpret neutral comments as criticism. Over time, this could lead to some degree of depression and/or anxiety. In talking with someone who exhibits these kinds of tendencies, it would be useful to understand how they are negatively affecting the person’s life.

This section is for those who are struggling to love or find peace within themselves. You are worthy of love and acceptance. You are not a burden.

For Possibilities

by Julie

May you embrace the essential truth that in life, everything is possible.

Brokenness is possible, healing is possible, forgiveness is possible, wholeness is possible. Everything is possible within ourselves and among each other.

For Ourselves by Eva & Shirley

May we be kind to ourselves.

May we accept that everything is not the same.

May we share that everything is hard.

May we not be ashamed of how we are feeling right now.

May we recognize our productivity is not the same as it used to be.

May we remember the power of rest and keeping healthy boundaries.

May we be inspired by the love and generosity of others.

May we learn to find joy in the smallest moments.

For Those Who Struggle with Self-Worth

by Hannah & Julia

May you find comfort in the community of which you are a part.

May we remember we are created in G-d’s image, and you are made as you were meant to be.

We are each equally as worthy of happiness and fulfillment as our neighbor.

Do not be afraid to share your burdens, as it is the responsibility of the community to lift and strengthen one another.

For Self-Love and Confidence

by Anonymous

May you have gratitude for the beautiful body G-d gave you. May you constantly remember your worth. May you take time to care for your body. May you realize your ability to overcome anything you put your mind to. May you understand how worthy of love you are. May you admire your beauty and strength. May you realize your potential to do amazing things. May you never forget you are an embodiment of love and light. May you have faith in yourself and honor your individuality.

For People Struggling with Bias

by Anonymous

For those who struggle with bias, may you realize your struggles are real, and nobody can tell you otherwise. May you realize you are not alone, and many people are struggling with you. May you understand bias is something taught and something that can be untaught. May you realize people who are biased will accept you one day.

For Anyone Struggling with Self-Image

by Hannah, Jordan & Sarah

May those who are struggling with having a positive self-image gain confidence in themselves.

May you start finding comfort within your own skin. May you learn to love yourself and everything that makes you unique. May you become the best version of yourself that you can be. May you believe you are worthy of the best the world has to offer.

For Those Lacking Confidence

by Anonymous

May you accept that you are beautiful inside and out. May you accept that you are worthy. May you accept that you are unique. May you accept that you bring something to the table. May you love the person you’ve become.

For Those Who Feel Different

by Rachel, Orli & Micaela

For those who feel different, may you learn to love yourself and realize your differences are not faults.

May you know your differences are what make you powerful.

May you be surrounded by those who love you.

May you gain the strength to ask for help.

May you learn you will find your place and find your people.

May you learn everyone is unique and comes together to form a whole.

May you learn that loving yourself is going to make you feel free.

May you know you are strong.

May you know you are worth it.

For Honoring Full Acceptance

by Anonymous

May we recognize ourselves entirely.

May we shine a light and invite our shadows and dark places.

May we seek and welcome what we have hidden.

May we discover the strength within that comes from honoring our full acceptance.

For Those Who Are Struggling with Stigma

by Anonymous

May you understand your feelings, experiences, and identities are valid.

May you find confidence in who you are.

May you find support and people you can trust and talk to.

May you be able to see past that stigma and surround yourself with people who love and support you.

Judgment

by Eve, Elizabeth & Karen

May you develop the ability to treat yourself with kindness instead of judgment.

May we acknowledge that each of us has our own threshold for pain and not judge anyone for needing our support.

A Prayer for You

by Beth, Jason & Guy

In a world where social media is constantly at our fingertips, we remind you that you are enough.

You, being an imperfect human being, are enough.

May you find the strength within our online community to live authentically as the human you are offline and without hiding behind social media.

A Prayer for Boundaries

by Emily & Steph

May you accept you are enough.

May you know when to say “enough.” “Dayenu”

May you know your boundaries and be able to enforce them lovingly.

May you be able and empowered to say no.

May you accept and be joyful about your boundaries.

May you be free from worrying about other people’s perceptions.

May you accept and embrace your limits.

May you be free from feeling guilty.

May you forgive yourself when you do too much and be gentle with yourself.

May you celebrate what you are able to do and recognize what you have accomplished and achieved.

May you recognize and celebrate others’ boundaries and respect that they may be very different from your own.

For Those Who Feel Guilt

by Anonymous

May you accept that you are always doing your best in the moment.

May you shift to compassion for others and yourself.

May you accept responsibility but not blame.

May doing differently next time be more important than reliving the last time.

May you rise and be resilient and embrace imperfection in others and yourself.

For Those Struggling with Embarrassment about Mental Health

by Anonymous

Wish for the power to bring out each other’s inner strengths by forming connections.

May you recognize your own strength and amplify it by reaching out to others, remembering where you came from to help ground yourself, taking calm moments to find the beauty in the world around you and remembering you are a part of it.

Asking for help takes strength, not weakness, and it is so important to use your strength when you need to ask for help.

For Those Who Lack Patience

by Anonymous

May you learn to love yourself.

May you pause, breathe gently, and be gentle with yourself and with others, maybe nibble on some chocolate or drink some tea.

Breathe.

Let the frustration and anxiety fall away, the wisdom and inner strength rise up in its place.

For Those Searching for Joy and Love

by Saul & Cantor Linda

Bless all those who are burdened with not having resources to be able to fulfill their essential needs and lift their worries.

Let them find those who will care for and about them with love/chesed.

May the One who blesses enable all people to feel joy and wonder, and be free from worry.

May we be blessed with a calm mind and a joyous heart.

For Those Struggling With Work Burnout

by Anonymous

May you set clear boundaries with your supervisor at work.

May you take time for yourself and the things you love.

May you use your vacation time to its fullest extent.

May you separate your work life and home life.

May you find the time to get a real lunch break.

May you remember to celebrate your accomplishments.

May you remember you can’t do your best if you aren’t taking care of yourself.

For Those Struggling to Ask for Help

by Anonymous

May you surround yourself with those who are trustworthy and willing to support you.

May seeking help be a shameless pursuit.

May you come to realize help can be found in the loneliest of times if only one musters the courage to ask.

Prayer for Those Suffering from Burnout

by Jessie & Julie

May you make yourself a priority. May you take time for yourself. May you find a supportive community. May you connect with others in a meaningful way. May you speak up for yourself when you need help. May you find the space and peace to heal. May you tap into your energetic self. May you find ease and breath.

For Those Who Are Going through the Motions

by Anonymous

May you recognize that life isn’t supposed to be routine. May you have the strength to reach out to those around you. May you find ways to make every day a little more fun. May you gain the motivation to do what you love. May you be true to yourself. May you find the courage to stand out. And may you be the person who says “I will.”

A Prayer for Separation in Space and Time

by Anonymous

As we do after Shabbat, make space for Havdalah—separation.

May you let go of the work.

May you find (even small) opportunities for separation.

May you stick to your rituals.

May you hold to boundaries. May you see the strength and bravery of your vulnerability.

May we build healing practice in community.

May you find Shabbat in little moments throughout the week.

May we be explicit about our needs, advocate for our needs, take the rest you need.

MI SHEBERACHS ASKING FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE

Middot, or Jewish values, help build the foundation on which the Jewish community stands. We believe they empower us to connect Jewish thought to mental wellness. Jewish literature and discussion have focused on healing, wellness, and community for years, yet we often shroud mental health in a cone of silence.

One of our eight mental health middot relates to supporting community. הזל הז םיברע לארשי לכ - Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la zeh - All Jews are responsible for one another

The Talmud (Shavuot 39a) teaches that members of the Jewish community are responsible for each other. In simple terms, we are interconnected and must be invested in the mental wellness and overall well-being of everyone. We must be willing, informed, and prepared to help one another, because we all benefit.

For Strength by Zach & Tally

May the One who blessed our ancestors strengthen, heal, and restore those who are struggling with mental health and give them the support of their community.

May the One give them the strength to cope in difficult situations.

For Creating a Loving Community

by Anonymous

For those we know and those whose names we don’t know, let us as a community share a space for allowing people to be ready to be accepted.

May we establish a community agreement that others’ stories are not ours to share.

May we support each other’s courage to share, respecting that it is the individual’s story to share.

May those who suffer in isolation find acceptance and know they are not alone.

May we find the courage it takes to come forward and share as we put ourselves out there for our community.

As a community, may we welcome the individual and find one another to give each other space to listen and learn from each other’s experiences without judgment, so when we come out of places of isolation, we are open to hearing.

And may we understand mental illness is just as real as any other kind of illness.

For All Leaders by Anonymous

Give them strength when they feel weak. Let them listen to the people they lead. Give them comfort when they feel uneasy. Let them be confident in their abilities.

Give them support when they need to support others. Let them feel supported. Let them heal, so they can heal others.

For Renewal of Connection

by Anonymous

May the source of blessing and healing grant us abundant compassion. Help us to feel gratitude for that which still connects us...

Help us to remember we are not alone...and help us to find the words to cry out when that feeling overwhelms us.

Help us to remember we all share the water...even if not the same vessel.

Help us to hear the cries of those near and far, even when they are whispers.

Help us to create a community that embraces us all...on our best and worst days...and the days that are also “fine.”

Sustain us with resilience, and grant us patience in this fragmented space until we are blessed with renewed strength and compassion, physical reconnection.

For Those Yearning for Community Connection

by Anonymous

May we have the strength to see the blessings in each day.

For those who are struggling and feeling disconnected, you are an important part of our Jewish community, and we welcome you.

We value you as an important member.

Our community is a safe place for each of you.

We bless our congregation for opening our hearts to all who are struggling as we say a prayer for healing for one another.

For Sharing a Burden with a Friend

by Erica & Hannah

For those who need support, may you find the resources necessary to calm your internal struggles and surround yourself with a community of people who will lift your spirits.

May you embrace the value of nosei b’ol im chaveiro (sharing a burden with one’s friend) and find strength in your close friendships to overcome your struggles together.

For a Celebrated Connection

by Anonymous

May we all celebrate our connection through Judaism and treat each other as family.

Let us love and support each other in all of life's experiences, good and bad.

May we all focus on healing the world through loving-kindness and each other.

May we be patient with others and ourselves, and focus on being the best version of ourselves.

For Caregivers by Ciara & Ben

Mi sheberach to everyone who is helping others with their mental health, listening before responding.

Mi sheberach for those who care for others in need of healing through mental, emotional, spiritual, and social struggles.

Mi sheberach to any person trying to make the world a better place for all, one step at a time.

For Children with Mental Illness

by Maddie & Morgan

May the one who blessed our ancestors, bless and heal the kids who struggle with mental illness.

May they be blessed with a strong support system.

May they be blessed with the kindness to look out for each other.

May they learn acceptance of their differences, so they can use their differences to build a stronger community.

May the one who blessed our ancestors bless and heal the community that is dealing with the loss of important community members.

May they be blessed with their memories.

May they be blessed with love for themselves and those around them.

May they find comfort in the strong community that exists and in sharing their love with one another.

For Those Who Need Support

by Anonymous

May you surround yourself with people who love and support you. May you find a loving and supporting community. May you realize you are not alone. May you understand it is okay to ask for help. These feelings won’t last forever.

For the One Who Wants to Listen

by Ilana, Alex & Sarah

May I be blessed with the spaciousness in my soul to be able to hold the tension of another’s pain and acknowledge the honest desire to fix what appears to be broken.

May I wholeheartedly listen from a place of wholeness and help to make space for others to speak their truth.

May I know that this is enough. Dayenu.

May I remember this when I need it most.

For Opening Our Hearts and Minds to Different Perspectives

by Anonymous

May we open our eyes to accept all differences. May we see the spark within every individual. May we model and live empathy. May we support and encourage friends and family. Baruch ata Hashem, pokeach ivrim.

For Those Who Are Struggling Silently

by Taylor, Gabriel, Hailey & Liv

For those who are struggling silently:

May you realize your struggles are valid and important.

May you realize your struggles are a part of the journey and only make you stronger in the end.

May you only talk about your struggles on your own terms.

May you realize you are the only one who truly knows your own struggles.

May you accept that healing is easier with the support of your community.

For Inclusivity—For Those Who Have Space in Their Heart to Grow

by Anonymous

May you take time to branch out and get to know people around you. May you reach out to the people who could benefit from companionship. May you expand your love toward others. May you use this to start your journey to grow. As we grow, b’yachad, we offer an open mind and open heart. And empower you with passion.

For Inclusivity by Anonymous

May you treat everyone the same no matter their gender, race, or sexuality.

May you find someone to share your feelings with.

May you find inclusive spaces or create them.

May you treat yourself and others with kindness.

May you raise awareness about mental health.

May you know you are valid and beautiful.

For People Struggling for Acceptance

by Rachel & Lisa

May those who are struggling to be accepted find support. May you find compassion in your heart for others. May you find neutral ground with those of differing opinions. Although we all are different, we all want to be accepted and valued.

For the One Struggling to Connect

by Anonymous

For the one struggling with how to connect, for whom prayer may not be a vessel for comfort, may you be able to find community, strength, and support in ways that are personally, spiritually, mentally, or physically uplifting.

May you feel validation and comfort in your practice, in your connections, and in your traditions in a way that uplifts your spirit and emotional well-being.

And may you be surrounded by others who see you, hear you, validate you, and support you.

For Those Who Are Lost

by Matt & Kevin

May those who are in search of their community find it. May their time feeling lost transform into a sense of feeling found. May their passions be recognized and appreciated.

For Those with Special Need

by Max, Noa & Nick

May the One who blessed our ancestors, patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah bless and heal those in need.

May people with special needs find the equity they deserve within our society.

May they be surrounded by compassionate and loving people.

May those without special needs let go of all stigma they may hold.

For the Comfort to Express Oneself Freely

by Jake & Drew

May those who want to express themselves feel included in our community.

May they feel confident and empowered to be proudly Jewish.

May they strive to improve themselves and others around them.

May they find friends who will stand by them in happy and sad times.

May they find reprieve from their everyday struggles at least temporarily.

May they feel like they can be truly who they are.

May they win in our tournaments and find supreme glory.

For Those Searching for Hope and Connection

by Daria & Jessie

May you know you are not alone, even when it may feel like you are.

May you continue to find new ways to connect with others and yourself.

May you work to fight hopelessness for yourself and others.

May you recognize and celebrate the strength and light you already possess.

May you recognize that others are searching for connection too.

May you find the power to be the one to reach out.

May you have the patience and calm to persevere.

For Those Who Are Overworked

by Lili & Hannah

May you feel power and healing in learning to say no, in respecting your boundaries, and in letting yourself rest.

May you learn everything need not be done by you.

May you learn to accept help and to take care of yourself first.

May you understand you are enough as is, your value is not in what you can do for others, and it is okay to let others carry the burden.

For Feeling Stuck in a Bubble

by Anonymous

May you not feel trapped or alone.

May you reach out to those who surround you.

May you take time to contact the outside world.

May you find new friends when you least expect it.

May you not be afraid to ask for a listening ear.

May you find new opportunities and experiences when you least expect it.

MI SHEBERACHS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND STRUGGLING CHILDREN

It is really hard for a parent/guardian to see their child in pain. There are no fast and easy solutions. Mental health issues cannot be easily fixed with first aid or a conversation; it takes time for therapy and medication to work.

Every family handles it the best they know how to at the time. If your family is going through a difficult period, know you are not alone. One in five youth will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their life. Greater than five percent of youth report having a substance use or alcohol problem. Seventeen million youth under the age of eighteen have or have had a psychiatric disorder.

Parents/guardians often have to make difficult decisions like who is the right therapist, what (if any) medication is best, and which school/treatment program is a good fit. At the same time, parents/guardians need to take care of their own emotional mental health.

These mi sheberachs were written by parents sharing their thoughts with the hope it helps someone else.

For Parents of Children with Mental Illness

by Anonymous

May the parents have the strength, courage, and resilience to be optimistic in the face of failure.

May the parents have the courage to step away in love to allow their child to fail and learn from challenges.

From a Parent to their Child Struggling with Mental Health

by Lisa

May you know you are never a burden. You are always a blessing.

May you never doubt my love for you and hope for you to live your life to the fullest.

May you know your diagnosis is not your identity.

May you never think your illness is your fault or that if you were stronger or more resilient, then you would not have this health challenge.

May you have the strength to ask for help when you need it and believe you have the strength to fight your battles.

May you come to understand that friends who faded away during your struggle still care but don’t know what to say or do to show their support.

May you learn new skills, recognize and build on your strengths, and benefit from medication and nutrition to improve your mental health.

May I show you the love and support you need at the right time and with an open heart.

May I be more patient, less demanding, and more accepting of where you are in the moment.

May you live to be an example of hope for others who struggle.

May we help others to think more deeply about supporting with kindness and dignity families like ours that struggle with mental health.

May Hashem bring you a complete and speedy healing, happiness, and blessings.

From the Parents of Children Suffering from Mental Illness

by Amy & Amy

Help me be the parent I need to be for my child at this moment.

Help me let go of my need to fix, while staying engaged in the daily struggle.

Help me be patient with my child and my parenting partner.

Help me be the best listener I can be.

Help me be empathetic.

Help me see clearly, sidestepping denial but also distinguishing between fear and intuition.

Give me the strength to reach out for help from professionals and peers. Help make my family stronger from this experience.

From a Parent in Support of Other Parents of Children with Mental Health or Substance Abuse Challenge

by Lisa

May you know you are not alone and believe it does get better.

May Hashem bless you with dignity and compassion through this uncertain time.

May Hashem grant you wisdom to make the difficult decisions at the right time as you accept your child’s future may be different from what you imagined.

May you keep dreaming of a better future for them.

May you never let your child’s illness trick you into thinking it is due to poor parenting or your failure to teach them resiliency.

May you have the strength to take care of yourself, your family, and your other responsibilities.

May you celebrate the small victories and pray for bigger wins.

May you listen more and accept them from a place of understanding without going into “fix it” mode.

May you grow to understand their invisible illness and help them find pathways to recovery.

May you be surrounded with trusted people to help you think through options and figure out the next step.

May you forgive the well-intentioned but insensitive and judgmental words people say.

May you bravely join conversations to build supportive schools, synagogues, and communities.

May Hashem bring your family a complete and speedy healing, happiness, and blessings.